8.11. Isn’t it dangerous to separate yourself from the majority of Catholics and bishops? Isn’t the Church supposed to be universal?

Yes, the Church is Catholic—that is, universal in truth, not in headcount. Numbers alone have never guaranteed orthodoxy. In the 4th century, over 95% of bishops became Arian heretics. St. Athanasius was excommunicated by them and even by the Pope under pressure—but he was right. Why? Because he held fast to the unchanging faith.

The universality of the Church is defined not by statistical adherence, but by unity in faith, sacraments, and governance—as taught by the pre-Vatican II Magisterium. When the visible structures promote error and new doctrines (as Vatican II did), they forfeit their authority, much like a pilot who goes blind and deaf forfeits his ability to safely fly. We do not separate from the Church—we separate from those who have separated themselves from the Church by embracing heresy.